Stephen/Support Ministries

St. John's has a variety of support ministries to help others through times of need. Please see the following ministries and feel free to contact us at (803) 648-6891 to utilize one of these services or to volunteer with one of these viable ministries.

We are involved in so many worthwhile things:- Internal ministries, as well as outreach to our community, including local, regional, national, and global missions.- We nurture one another, make music together, assist in maintaining our facilities, build ramps, and help with building and repairing houses.- We wrap each other in love, with prayer shawls during times of need.- We promise to keep our children safe while teaching them from their earliest experiences in nursery and preschool through their departure for college.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells his followers, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Stephen/Support Ministries

Do you feel weary? Does the yoke of life seem too difficult for you to carry alone? Are your burdens too much to bear? God has called some people within our midst to Stephen Ministry. These people are trained and supported in walking with others through difficult times in their lives. If you feel drawn to join this ministry or you or someone you know would benefit from this ministry, please contact Rev. Nancy Reed at (803) 648-6891.

Joseph’s Coat

This group knits and/or crochets clothing items for external needs in the community, especially for babies and young children in crisis.

Prayer Shawl

The prayer shawl ministry serves to make blankets and shawls that are prayed over and are used for several purposes. Blankets are made for babies and young children being baptized as a reminder of that sacrament. Shawls are made and given to members of our church family that are facing a long term illness or time of trouble to remind them that they are wrapped in love. This is one of the wonderful support ministries we offer at St. John's.

Shepherd of Love

The Shepherd of Love Ministry's goal is to bring joy to those who have a hard time getting out of the house and are not as often able to get out of the house. Each person in need is paired with a shepherd and that shepherd makes regular visits. This is often an activity that spans generations as some parents bring children along. It is a great opportunity to make new friendships and improve someone's quality of life with a visit.

Bereavement Group

This is an ongoing support group for those who have lost loved ones and are seeking help with that loss. They often meet for dinner and will have various book studies on how to manage grief. Please contact Rev. Nancy Reed at (803) 648-6891 for more information.

A new GriefShare Group began in January and meets on Wednesday afternoons. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one who has died, please contact Nancy Reed to register for this support group. Visit www.griefshare.org for more information.

Grace Kitchen

Grace Kitchen is run by a group of volunteers and serves our community. Each Saturday morning, a free hot breakfast and devotion is offered to anyone who wishes to attend. If you would like to volunteer, or want more information, call the church office.

Jack Meeks Wheelchair Ramp Ministry

The United Methodist Men have a group who go out almost every weekend and build a ramp for people in the Aiken community who are unable to get up and down the stairs leading into their homes. This is a valuable service to our community and they always have a list of people in need. The funds for this ministry come from the annual Jack Meeks Memorial Golf Tournament.

Bus Pick Up

We have a committed group of drivers who go out every Sunday and give rides to those who wish to come to church, but cannot drive here. Our church minibus makes the rounds for each service on Sunday.

Ministry Meals

Wednesday night suppers are a popular event here at St. John's, and for those members who are ill or have a major life event going on and cannot get to the church, we offer delivery of those meals and dinner on us for those who are truly in need. We have a wonderful team of drivers delivering meals all over Aiken each Wednesday.